Isaiah Charles Austin (born October 25, 1993) is an American basketball player who completed his college career for the Baylor Bears in 2014. He had been considered a first-round prospect in the 2014 NBA draft until he was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome.[1] On June 26, 2014, between the 15th and 16th picks of the 2014 draft, Commissioner Adam Silver made Austin a ceremonial pick, which fulfilled his dream of getting drafted. The crowd gave him a standing ovation as he walked up to the podium. He was offered an NBA job by Adam Silver, with the stipulation that he finishes his degree at Baylor University.[2]

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High school career[edit]

Austin attended Grace Preparatory Academy. As a senior, he averaged 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 blocks a game. This lead him to his second straight Fort Worth Star-Telegram Super Team Player of the Year. Austin participated in the 2012 McDonald's All-American Game, 2012 Adidas Nations and the 2012 Jordan Brand Classic. In the McDonalds All-American Game, he recorded 10 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks and 2 assists to lead the West to victory. In the Jordan Brand Classic, he recorded 10 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 blocks to again lead the West to victory. He was named to the ESPNHS All-American Elite second team and was the nations no. 3 recruit according to ESPN.[3]

College career[edit]

In his freshman season at Baylor, Austin was named to the 2013 All-Big 12 third team and the Big 12 All-Rookie team. On April 4, 2013, he recorded 15 points, nine rebounds, five blocks, four assists and two steals in the NIT championship game in which Baylor defeated Iowa 74–54.[4] In 35 games (all starts), he averaged 13.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.7 blocks in 29.9 minutes per game.[3][5]

In April 2013, he declared for the 2013 NBA draft, but later returned to Baylor due to a shoulder injury.[6]

In his sophomore season, he was named to the 2014 Big 12 All-Defensive team. In 38 games, he averaged 11.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 3.1 blocks in 28.0 minutes per game.[5]

On April 22, 2014, he declared for the 2014 NBA draft, forgoing his final two years of college eligibility.[7]

Marfan syndrome diagnosis[edit]

On June 21, 2014, Austin learned that he had been diagnosed with Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects the body's connective tissue. In an emotional interview with ESPN's Holly Rowe, Austin said that he could no longer play basketball at a competitive level since the arteries in his heart were abnormally large, and there was too much risk of his heart rupturing if he continued to play. In response, NBA commissioner Adam Silver invited Austin to attend the draft as his guest.[8] Shortly after Austin's diagnosis was made public, his agent revealed that Austin had taken out an insurance policy against career-ending disability through a special NCAA program. The amount of the policy was not disclosed, but the agent stated that it was at least $1 million. The policy would not have paid out if his career had ended due to the aforementioned shoulder injury or his eyesight, but is expected to pay out due to his Marfan diagnosis.[9] Before hearing about his insurance payout, Austin's fans tried to crowdfund for the athlete.[10]

At the Celtics' season-opener at TD Garden on October 29, 2014, Austin was honored at half time as part of the team's “Heroes Among Us” program.[11]

Personal[edit]

Austin is blind in his right eye from an injury he sustained in middle school. He had kept the injury a secret, known only to his teammates and close friends until January 17, 2014.[12][13]

On December 16th, 2014, Austin was patched into 2K Sports' NBA 2K15 as a free agent.